Ohio Concrete

This month, we're proud to recognize Heidelberg Materials North America as one of our Associate Members.

Strong concrete starts with strong materials, and Heidelberg Materials has been helping supply the essential building materials that make construction possible for generations. As one of North America's leading producers of cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, and asphalt, the company plays an important role in supporting the infrastructure, commercial, and community projects that keep our region growing.

Beyond the materials themselves, Heidelberg Materials continues to invest in innovation and more sustainable construction solutions, helping move the industry forward while supporting the people and projects that build stronger communities.

👏 Thank you to the Heidelberg Materials team for your continued support of Ohio Concrete and for helping strengthen our industry across Ohio.

Seattle’s Most Famous Landmark - Anchored in Concrete!

This week in National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s America250: Concrete – The Foundation of Our Nation campaign, we’re looking back at the concrete engineering behind the iconic Seattle Space Needle: https://www.nrmca.org/space-needle/

Rising 605 feet above the city, the Seattle Space Needle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River.

On May 22, 1961, ready mix trucks made 467 trips over 12 continuous hours, placing 2,800 cubic yards of concrete without interruption. At the time, it was the largest continuous concrete placement in the West. The foundation ultimately weighed 5,850 tons, equal to the weight of the entire structure above it.

This heavy underground block anchored the structure so deeply that the Space Needle’s center of gravity is actually below ground level. This engineering design keeps the tower highly stable against earthquakes and high coastal winds - built to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour with swaying of only one inch per ten mph, and earthquakes of up to 9.0 magnitude.

The concrete was supplied by Pioneer Sand & Gravel, which later became Glacier Northwest and ultimately joined with California Portland Cement Company to form today’s NRMCA member CalPortland.

More than six decades later, the Space Needle remains a defining piece of the Seattle skyline — and a testament to the concrete foundation making its unmistakable design possible. 🏙️

Read the full story: https://www.nrmca.org/space-needle/

One material.

Countless possibilities.

From homes and schools to highways, manufacturing facilities, and community landmarks, concrete helps shape nearly every part of our daily lives.

Wherever Ohio is building, concrete is there.

Some of the most important work happening for Ohio's concrete industry doesn't happen on a jobsite.

It happens in conversations with legislators, regulators, and decision-makers who help shape the policies that impact our industry every day.

Since 1938, Ohio Concrete has worked to advocate for reasonable legislation and regulations that support the concrete construction industry and the businesses that keep Ohio building. Through legislative advocacy and the Ohio Concrete Political Action Committee (OC PAC), the Association helps ensure our industry's voice is heard on issues that matter to our members.

Strong advocacy helps create a stronger industry, and we're proud to stand alongside our members in supporting the future of concrete in Ohio.

Learn more about Ohio Concrete's legislative support:
🏛️ https://tinyurl.com/2k6syb2h

🇺🇸 America 250 | Ohio Concrete Spotlight
Court Avenue
📍 Bellefontaine, Ohio

As America celebrates 250 years of history, Ohio Concrete is proud to highlight the projects and places that showcase concrete's lasting impact across our state.

Long before the Interstate System and modern highways, one small street in downtown Bellefontaine changed the future of transportation.

In 1893, Court Avenue became the first concrete-paved street in the United States. Built by Ohio innovator George W. Bartholomew, the project proved that concrete could create stronger, longer-lasting roads than the dirt and gravel streets of the day. What began as a bold experiment helped launch the modern concrete pavement industry and forever changed how America builds its infrastructure.

More than 130 years later, Court Avenue remains in service and stands as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a lasting symbol of concrete's durability, resilience, and innovation.

It's a reminder that one Ohio innovation helped pave the way for generations of roads, communities, and connections across our nation.

This is the first of many remarkable projects we'll feature throughout our America 250 | Ohio Concrete Spotlight series as we celebrate:
250 Years of American Pride, Poured in Ohio.

🏗️ The future of Ohio's concrete industry isn't shaped by one company—it's shaped by the people and businesses that choose to be involved.

By becoming a member of Ohio Concrete, you're joining a network of industry professionals committed to advancing concrete, supporting workforce development, sharing knowledge, and helping move the industry forward.

Whether you're looking to build connections, stay engaged with industry trends, or have a voice in the conversations impacting concrete across Ohio, membership is an opportunity to be part of something bigger than your day-to-day work.

🔗 Learn more about becoming a member: https://www.ohioconcrete.org/memberships/

Concrete in Harmony with Nature – Fallingwater: https://bit.ly/4fQbm5C

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935, Fallingwater stands as one of America’s most celebrated architectural landmarks and a powerful example of reinforced concrete’s artistic and structural potential.

Built directly above Bear Run near Mill Run, Pennsylvania, the home’s iconic cantilevered concrete terraces extend over the waterfall and echo the natural rock ledges below. The result is a structure that appears to rise organically from the surrounding landscape.

Fallingwater was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976. In 2019, it became one of eight Frank Lloyd Wright buildings inscribed collectively on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their influence on modern architecture and innovative use of materials, including concrete and steel.

Today, Fallingwater remains one of America’s most recognizable architectural landmarks. Its cantilevered terraces demonstrate how reinforced concrete can provide more than strength and utility, also creating both beauty and artistic expression with a powerful connection between the built and natural environments.

🔗 Read more: nrmca.org/america250

🏗️ What Does Ohio Concrete Do?

Ohio Concrete works to support, strengthen, and advance the concrete industry across the state.

Through industry advocacy, workforce development, technical resources, education, certifications, promotion efforts, and member engagement, Ohio Concrete helps connect professionals, support businesses, and promote the long-term success of concrete in Ohio.

From the jobsite to the boardroom, Ohio Concrete is committed to helping the industry build stronger communities and a stronger future.

⛳ We’re officially SOLD OUT!

Thank you to everyone who registered for Ohio Concrete’s 42nd Annual Golf Outing. We’re looking forward to another great day at The Medallion Club on Monday, August 10.

While golfer registration is full, sponsorship opportunities are still available exclusively to Ohio Concrete Members. It’s a great way to support the event and the Roger Jones Education Fund while increasing your company’s visibility.

Learn more about available sponsorship opportunities: 🪧https://tinyurl.com/4nfeku8x

Missed out this year? Registration fills quickly, so be sure to sign up early next year.

To everyone joining us on the course, we’ll see you soon!